Geraldine “Gerry” Robins Kessler, June 10, 2024
Beloved wife of the late M. Donald Kessler. Loving mother of Jill (Kevin) Kessler McGovern, Lynn (Stephen) Kessler Cella, and the late Scott Kessler. Cherished grandmother of Graham (Kristen) Berry, Gena (Chris) Gordzelik, Kirk (Elyse London) Berry and Max and Nick Cella. Adored great-grandmother of Adrienne, Asher, and Phoebe Berry and Mason and Liam Gordzelik. Loving sister of Estelle (the late Ray) Lavietes and the late Doretta (the late Ray) Goldman. Beloved daughter of the late Max and the late Lena Kornbleit Robins. Our dear aunt, cousin and friend.
Geraldine was the third daughter born to Lena and Max Robins on July 21, 1928, in Kansas City, MO. At the age of 5, Gerry moved with her family to St. Louis where she lived for the next 85 years. She was always enterprising and at the age of 13 worked in the shoe department at Stix, Baer and Fuller and later became the manager. She graduated from Soldan HS, married her husband, Donald and had 3 children. After the passing of her son in February 2019, she moved to Portland, OR where she lived near Jill until her passing.
Besides her roles in her family she wore various other hats, the most significant being an owner/operator of World Wide Antiques in Frontenac, MO. She volunteered her time and expertise to many charitable organizations, most notably the Women’s Society of Washington University and the Samuel Cupples House at St. Louis University.
She was an avid art student, painter, sculptor, antique appraiser/dealer, investor, gemologist, pilot, prankster, mahjong teacher and party thrower extraordinaire. With her easy nature and outgoing personality, Gerry made countless friends and was steadfastly loyal to those she loved. She was accepting of all people and never took herself too seriously. Gerry was known best as a positive person who never complained, loved to laugh, and loved a good meal and a glass of wine with family or friends while telling a good joke. Gerry set a great example for all who knew her as she did not let her many challenges get in her way of living life to the fullest. She was one of a kind and will be greatly missed by all who knew her and loved her.
Graveside service Tuesday, June 25, 11:30am at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery, 8430 Gravois Road. A RINDSKOPF-ROTH SERVICE
